Monday, May 09, 2011

How to Make PBS Pledge Week Even More Insufferable

How to Make PBS Pledge Week Even More Insufferable - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
"Of course.
If you look at these decisions in toto – from “climate change” to “public service broadcasting” – we are about two judges away from having the entire program of leftist conventional wisdom ruled a state church."

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Local Police/Fire Millage Votes Show Local Politicians’ Bad Faith

Local Police/Fire Millage Votes Show Local Politicians’ Bad Faith [Michigan Capitol Confidential]

Yes, they do!
Cuz they can.
Until we stand up to the bullies.

Inevitability of Greek Default on Sovereign Debt

Instapundit » Blog Archive » Inevitability of Greek Default on Sovereign Debt
“The trading patterns of Greek bonds indicate that traders expect a restructuring, and they think it will be messy.”
And note to International Business Transactions law students – choice of law and forum clauses matter. “Greece’s negotiating position is improved by the fact that about 90 percent of its outstanding bonds specify that Greek law will determine any disputes — and of course Greece can change its laws if needed.”"

It seems the Greeks are taking a page from Barry's rules of finance.

The U.S. Coast Guard orders some boat operators to allow fewer passengers as people gain weight

The U.S. Coast Guard orders some boat operators to allow fewer passengers as people gain weight. - chicagotribune.com
"starting in December, the Coast Guard will require passenger boats to increase the average weight of passengers to 185 pounds from 160 pounds."

The Coast Guard must never have visited Muskegon.....

Philippine city holds mass circumcision for youths

Philippine city holds mass circumcision for youths - Yahoo! News
"'I'm a big boy now,' one boy who had just finished the surgery bragged."

Crazifornia: California leads the nation … in failure

Crazifornia: California leads the nation … in failure The Daily Caller
"At least Californians who live in Riverside County will be getting some relief from the public employee pension crisis.
No, the county hasn’t successfully shut down employee demands; rather, it’s shut up its board of supervisors.
The supervisors just voted 3-2 that they should avoid publicly discussing the details of ongoing talks with the county’s unions, including not telling the public what they’d like to see happen at the negotiating table.
The two supervisors who have been most vocal about having to curb the rising cost of public employee pensions voted against the measure, while the three who voted for it tried to explain how they’re not muzzling the public debate"

Amazing!
Muskegon's county commissioners have NEVER publically discussed public union details before or AFTER the contracts are signed.
Just silence from those elected and given the responsibility....and the compensation to represent the citizens.

Tea party activists say they sniffed out some

"It's bad enough that teachers unions at the local, state and national level have become more preoccupied with politics than they are with students and education.
Now it appears they are willing to bend or break laws and regulations to guarantee victory
."

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Royal wedding: the fashion fallout from Princess Beatrice's fascinator fiasco

Royal wedding: the fashion fallout from Princess Beatrice's fascinator fiasco - Telegraph: "As the public inquiry into those distinctive Philip Treacy front-of-forehead hats at the royal wedding continues – particularly the one that arose from Princess Beatrice’s head like the beige antlers of a baroque stag – few debates have exposed so clearly the national disagreement over what fashion is for."

Interbred and on the public dole.

WSJ: If Supermarkets Were Like Public Schools

theblogprof: WSJ: If Supermarkets Were Like Public Schools
"Of course, none of this would be happening if we had school choice.
Bad schools would die. Good schools would thrive"

plus this gem:

"UPDATE: Another prior post where I mentioned the above analogy:
Now they tell us: Detroit School Board President Otis Mathis was a D-student in high school, went to college in a program for the academically unqualified, now resigned in disgrace after habitually masturbating in front of School Superintendent."

new-homes-for-dollar-down

new-homes-for-dollar-down-moneywatch: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance
"According to The Daily's report, the developer stands to lose nothing as they receive the full purchase price, regardless of the buyer's ability to continue making mortgage payments.
This risk in this scenario is assumed by two government programs (in other words, you the taxpayer) that guarantee the loans for those who want a house but lack the cash for a standard down payment and closing costs."

FundingCrisis?

FundingCrisis
"Also, please take time to email your legislators and advocate on behalf of our children...no additional cuts and proper funding of our schools."

If each teacher and administrator paid 25% of their own health care costs, how does that hurt students?

Try Not to Think of a Waterboard

Try Not to Think of a Waterboard - WSJ.com
"Of course, without waterboarding, Osama bin Laden might also be alive, and who knows how many Americans might be dead from unthwarted terrorist attacks"

Forums on budget deficit planned in Mona Shores

Forums on budget deficit planned in Mona Shores MLive.com
"A community forum to discuss the Mona Shores Public Schools budget for next year has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the administration building, 3374 McCracken.

The district is facing about a $4 million deficit for next school year and has sought staff and community suggestions on where to cut spending without hurting students.

The public also is invited to attend the school board's retreat scheduled for 8 a.m. May 21 at the administration building.

By then, it's expected the board will have a list of potential cuts for community members to review and comment on.

More information is available at the district's website, www.monashores.net."

Michigan attorney general sues over housemate benefits ruling

Michigan attorney general sues over housemate benefits ruling detnews.com The Detroit News
"Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed a lawsuit Friday against the Civil Service Commission, alleging it exceeded its authority when it extended health benefits to housemates of state employees."

Friday, May 06, 2011

Most interesting thing I ever saw done to a dog..mp4

Farewell, My Lovely

Farewell, My Lovely - Reason Magazine
"The Democratic Party has folded Sacramento into one of the tightest one-party grips in contemporary American politics.
In November, bucking the national trend, Democrats in California won not just the governorship but 51 Assembly seats to Republicans’ 29, 24 state Senate seats to Republicans’ 14, and every statewide office.
With the passage of a referendum lowering the number of legislative votes required to approve a state budget (from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority), California is that rarest of land masses for the 2011 Democratic Party: conquered territory.

State Democrats have freedom to rule virtually unchallenged by the scattered, rusticated Republicans."

Lessons of Teacher Labor Markets

Lessons of Teacher Labor Markets [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"public schools posting teacher job openings were receiving hundreds and even thousands of applications.
For example, according to the Macomb Daily, the Chippewa Valley school district received almost 19,000 applications for just 71 teacher openings last year"

We all "shop" for the lowest price we will pay to get the product or service we need.

Except when public unions interfere with our CHOICE.

And it is UNSUSTAINABLE!

Choice and sustainability.

What a concept!

Show Your Thanks to World War II Vets by Watching This 2-min Video

Show Your Thanks to World War II Vets by Watching This 2-min Video Show Your Thanks to World War II Veterans Before It's Too Late!
"Can you help spread this important message?
This story is incredible.
Send this touching two-minute video about World War II veterans to FIVE friends and family to remind them that every day alive in this great, free country is truly a bonus"

A.J. Foyt to drive this year's Indy 500 Pace Car

A.J. Foyt to drive this year's Indy 500 Pace Car The Indianapolis Star indystar.com
"A.J. Foyt was named today to drive the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 on May 29.
Foyt will replace Donald Trump."

Nearly Half Of Detroiters Can’t Read

Report: Nearly Half Of Detroiters Can’t Read « CBS Detroit
"According to a new report, 47 percent of Detroiters are ”functionally illiterate.”"